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Somnath Chatterjee: Former Lok Sabha Speaker Remembered

2026-07-25Source: PIB Defence

Why in News

The current Lok Sabha Speaker paid floral tributes to former Speaker Shri Somnath Chatterjee on his birth anniversary to commemorate his parliamentary contributions.

What Happened

The Lok Sabha Speaker offered floral tributes at the portrait of Shri Somnath Chatterjee in the Parliament House. The event was held to honor his birth anniversary and recognize his significant role in Indian legislative history.

Source: PIB Defence Why In News: The current Lok Sabha Speaker paid floral tributes to former Speaker Shri Somnath Chatterjee on his birth anniversary to commemorate his parliamentary contributions. What Happened: The Lok Sabha Speaker offered floral tributes at the portrait of Shri Somnath Chatterjee in the Parliament House. The event was held to honor his birth anniversary and recognize his significant role in Indian legislative history. Detailed Explanation: Shri Somnath Chatterjee was a distinguished Indian politician and a veteran parliamentarian who served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 2004 to 2009. Born on July 25, 1929, he was a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) for a significant portion of his career, though he was expelled in 2008 following his refusal to step down as Speaker during the confidence vote regarding the Indo-US nuclear deal. Known for his adherence to parliamentary procedures and his dignified conduct, he played a crucial role in maintaining the decorum of the House. As a lawyer by profession, he brought a sharp legal mind to legislative matters. His tenure as Speaker is often remembered for his emphasis on the independence of the parliamentary office and his commitment to the democratic process. Paying tribute to him acknowledges his immense contribution to Indian parliamentary democracy and his role in upholding constitutional values during challenging political times in the 14th Lok Sabha. Strategic Importance: Honoring democratic icons like Somnath Chatterjee strengthens India's soft power by highlighting its robust, historical parliamentary traditions. Such tributes underscore the importance of non-partisan conduct in high constitutional offices, which is vital for domestic political stability. Why Important for Aspirants: It serves as a reminder of the historical importance of the office of the Speaker in India and the legacy of leaders who upheld the dignity of the House above partisan politics. Future Implications: These events continue to inspire new generations of parliamentarians to prioritize institutional integrity and democratic debate over narrow political interests. Important Facts:

Somnath Chatterjee served as Lok Sabha Speaker from 2004 to 2009.
He was a 10-time Member of Parliament.
He represented the Bolpur constituency in West Bengal.
He was a prominent leader of the CPI(M).
He refused to resign as Speaker during the 2008 UPA-I trust vote.
He was a lawyer by profession before joining active politics.
He was the first Speaker from a Left party in India.
He received the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award in 1996. One-Liners for Exam:
Somnath Chatterjee served as the Speaker of the 14th Lok Sabha.
He was a 10-time Lok Sabha MP from Bolpur.
He was the first Speaker from the CPI(M).
He was expelled from CPI(M) in 2008.
He served as Speaker from 2004 to 2009.
He was awarded the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award in 1996.
He was born on July 25, 1929.
He was a legal practitioner before his political career.
The tribute took place in the Parliament House.
He is known for upholding parliamentary decorum. FAQs: Q: Who was Somnath Chatterjee? A: Somnath Chatterjee was a veteran Indian politician and a ten-time Member of Parliament who served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 2004 to 2009.

Q: Which party did Somnath Chatterjee belong to? A: He was a long-time prominent leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) before being expelled in 2008.

Q: Why is Somnath Chatterjee famous in Indian history? A: He is remembered for his tenure as an impartial Lok Sabha Speaker and for his decision to prioritize the sanctity of the Speaker's office during the 2008 trust vote.

Q: How long was Somnath Chatterjee a member of Parliament? A: He was elected to the Lok Sabha ten times, serving as an MP for several decades starting from 1971.

Q: What award did Somnath Chatterjee receive in 1996? A: He was honored with the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award in 1996 for his distinguished contribution to the Indian Parliament.

Q: Did Somnath Chatterjee serve as a Union Minister? A: No, he was primarily a legislator and parliamentarian throughout his career, never holding a Union Minister position.

Q: Which constituency did he represent? A: He represented the Bolpur constituency in West Bengal for the majority of his parliamentary career.

Q: What was his profession before politics? A: He was a successful lawyer and legal practitioner before dedicating his life to political service.

Q: Why was he expelled from CPI(M)? A: He was expelled in 2008 after he refused to resign as the Lok Sabha Speaker when his party withdrew support from the UPA-I government.

Q: Where is his portrait kept in Parliament? A: His portrait is installed in the Central Hall or specialized galleries of the Parliament House as a mark of respect to former Speakers. Persons In News:

Somnath Chatterjee (Former Speaker, Lok Sabha): Birth anniversary tribute Practice MCQs (24 questions — exam-ready):

Somnath Chatterjee served as the Speaker of Lok Sabha during which period? Options: 1999-2004 | 2004-2009 | 2009-2014 | 1996-1999 Answer: 2004-2009 Explanation: He served as the Speaker during the 14th Lok Sabha from 2004 to 2009.
Somnath Chatterjee was a leader of which party? Options: BJP | INC | CPI(M) | TMC Answer: CPI(M) Explanation: He was a prominent leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
How many times was Somnath Chatterjee elected to the Lok Sabha? Options: 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 Answer: 10 Explanation: He was elected to the Lok Sabha 10 times in his political career.
What award was conferred upon Somnath Chatterjee in 1996? Options: Padma Vibhushan | Bharat Ratna | Outstanding Parliamentarian Award | Sahitya Akademi Award Answer: Outstanding Parliamentarian Award Explanation: He received the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award in 1996.
Which constituency did Somnath Chatterjee represent in West Bengal? Options: Kolkata | Bolpur | Asansol | Darjeeling Answer: Bolpur Explanation: He represented the Bolpur constituency for many years. SSB Intelligence:

GD Topics: Role of Speaker in Indian Democracy, Independence of Constitutional Offices, Evolution of Indian Parliament
Lecturette Topics: Somnath Chatterjee's contribution to Indian politics, The office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha
Interview Questions: What do you know about the Speaker of the Lok Sabha?, How important is neutrality for a constitutional office holder?, Name some iconic parliamentarians of India.
OLQ Tags: Integrity, Leadership, Decision Making, National Awareness

Places Mentioned: Parliament House, Bolpur, West Bengal

Countries: India

Meta: Learn about the life and parliamentary legacy of Somnath Chatterjee, former Lok Sabha Speaker, for UPSC, CDS, and NDA exams.

Detailed Explanation

Shri Somnath Chatterjee was a distinguished Indian politician and a veteran parliamentarian who served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 2004 to 2009. Born on July 25, 1929, he was a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) for a significant portion of his career, though he was expelled in 2008 following his refusal to step down as Speaker during the confidence vote regarding the Indo-US nuclear deal. Known for his adherence to parliamentary procedures and his dignified conduct, he played a crucial role in maintaining the decorum of the House. As a lawyer by profession, he brought a sharp legal mind to legislative matters. His tenure as Speaker is often remembered for his emphasis on the independence of the parliamentary office and his commitment to the democratic process. Paying tribute to him acknowledges his immense contribution to Indian parliamentary democracy and his role in upholding constitutional values during challenging political times in the 14th Lok Sabha.

Strategic Importance

Honoring democratic icons like Somnath Chatterjee strengthens India's soft power by highlighting its robust, historical parliamentary traditions. Such tributes underscore the importance of non-partisan conduct in high constitutional offices, which is vital for domestic political stability.

Future Implications

These events continue to inspire new generations of parliamentarians to prioritize institutional integrity and democratic debate over narrow political interests.

Important Facts

Somnath Chatterjee served as Lok Sabha Speaker from 2004 to 2009.
He was a 10-time Member of Parliament.
He represented the Bolpur constituency in West Bengal.
He was a prominent leader of the CPI(M).
He refused to resign as Speaker during the 2008 UPA-I trust vote.
He was a lawyer by profession before joining active politics.
He was the first Speaker from a Left party in India.
He received the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award in 1996.

Exam Relevance

SSB

4/5

AFCAT

4/5

NDA

4/5

CAPF

4/5

CDS

5/5

Agniveer

3/5

Persons in News

Somnath Chatterjee

Former Speaker · Lok Sabha

Birth anniversary tribute

Exam-Ready One-Liners

• Somnath Chatterjee served as the Speaker of the 14th Lok Sabha.

• He was a 10-time Lok Sabha MP from Bolpur.

• He was the first Speaker from the CPI(M).

• He was expelled from CPI(M) in 2008.

• He served as Speaker from 2004 to 2009.

• He was awarded the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award in 1996.

• He was born on July 25, 1929.

• He was a legal practitioner before his political career.

• The tribute took place in the Parliament House.

• He is known for upholding parliamentary decorum.

Practice MCQs (8 Questions)

1. Somnath Chatterjee served as the Speaker of Lok Sabha during which period?

A. 1999-2004

B. 2004-2009

C. 2009-2014

D. 1996-1999

He served as the Speaker during the 14th Lok Sabha from 2004 to 2009.

2. Somnath Chatterjee was a leader of which party?

A. BJP

B. INC

C. CPI(M)

D. TMC

He was a prominent leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

3. How many times was Somnath Chatterjee elected to the Lok Sabha?

A. 5

B. 8

C. 10

D. 12

He was elected to the Lok Sabha 10 times in his political career.

4. What award was conferred upon Somnath Chatterjee in 1996?

A. Padma Vibhushan

B. Bharat Ratna

C. Outstanding Parliamentarian Award

D. Sahitya Akademi Award

He received the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award in 1996.

5. Which constituency did Somnath Chatterjee represent in West Bengal?

A. Kolkata

B. Bolpur

C. Asansol

D. Darjeeling

He represented the Bolpur constituency for many years.

6. Consider the following statements: 1. Somnath Chatterjee was the first CPI(M) member to be a Lok Sabha Speaker. 2. He remained in his post during the 2008 trust vote. Which is correct?

A. Only 1

B. Only 2

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither

Both statements are factually correct regarding his tenure.

7. Assertion (A): Somnath Chatterjee is remembered for his impartial conduct. Reason (R): He refused to resign as Speaker during the UPA-I trust vote in 2008 despite party directives.

A. A is true, R is true and R is correct explanation

B. A is true, R is true but R is not correct explanation

C. A is true, R is false

D. A is false

His refusal to resign was based on the principle that the Speaker's chair should be independent of party whips.

8. Which of the following is INCORRECT about Somnath Chatterjee?

A. He was a legal professional.

B. He never served in the Rajya Sabha.

C. He was expelled from the CPI(M) in 2008.

D. He served as Speaker for 10 years.

He served for 5 years, not 10.

SSB Intelligence

GD Topics

• Role of Speaker in Indian Democracy

• Independence of Constitutional Offices

• Evolution of Indian Parliament

Lecturette Topics

• Somnath Chatterjee's contribution to Indian politics

• The office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha

Potential Interview Questions

• What do you know about the Speaker of the Lok Sabha?

• How important is neutrality for a constitutional office holder?

• Name some iconic parliamentarians of India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Somnath Chatterjee?

Somnath Chatterjee was a veteran Indian politician and a ten-time Member of Parliament who served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 2004 to 2009.

Q: Which party did Somnath Chatterjee belong to?

He was a long-time prominent leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) before being expelled in 2008.

Q: Why is Somnath Chatterjee famous in Indian history?

He is remembered for his tenure as an impartial Lok Sabha Speaker and for his decision to prioritize the sanctity of the Speaker's office during the 2008 trust vote.

Q: How long was Somnath Chatterjee a member of Parliament?

He was elected to the Lok Sabha ten times, serving as an MP for several decades starting from 1971.

Q: What award did Somnath Chatterjee receive in 1996?

He was honored with the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award in 1996 for his distinguished contribution to the Indian Parliament.

Q: Did Somnath Chatterjee serve as a Union Minister?

No, he was primarily a legislator and parliamentarian throughout his career, never holding a Union Minister position.

Q: Which constituency did he represent?

He represented the Bolpur constituency in West Bengal for the majority of his parliamentary career.

Q: What was his profession before politics?

He was a successful lawyer and legal practitioner before dedicating his life to political service.

Q: Why was he expelled from CPI(M)?

He was expelled in 2008 after he refused to resign as the Lok Sabha Speaker when his party withdrew support from the UPA-I government.

Q: Where is his portrait kept in Parliament?

His portrait is installed in the Central Hall or specialized galleries of the Parliament House as a mark of respect to former Speakers.